- The patient has at least two tests for quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for bcr-abl (peripheral blood or bone marrow aspirate). The results of these tests should demonstrate a relative plateau in the effect of imatinib on the detected level of the transcript (i.e. there should less than a ½ log difference between the last two values). Note: Patients will be eligible if the more recent study is greater than the previous study by any value.